Are Hot Flashes, Recurrent Lower Colon Pain And Diarrhea Signs Of Menopause?

Posted on Tue, 22 Mar 2016

Question: I have had what I thought were in problems the upper sigmoid colon on and off for the last few months. I used Cipro and recovered each time. The pain was in the exact same spot, it hurt to the touch. The pain is lower in the colon, the slightest amount of gas causes extreme pain, puts pressure on my bladder and it stings when I pee. This is not a UTI, it does not hurt after I pee. It is like the entire lower part of my body is cramping or inflamed. It is not like before, does not hurt to the touch in that area of my colon. I feel the cramping in other areas beside my colon, my vagina had a cramp last night. It is like that whole area is cramping. Night is the worst time, although it hurts during the day as well. I have diarrhea. off and on. I first started having intestinal issues as I started going through menopause. I would wake up in the middle of the night where I would have a hot flash, my intestines would cramp painfully for a few minutes, then I would pass gas and it would subside. Does this sound like normal menopausal side-effects? The new symptoms are that the pain is no longer localised and sore to the touch, just achy all over and the slightest amount of gas is excruciating. The hurts while peeing is new. I do not have blood in my stool or in my urine, my back does not hurt

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM
Thank you for your query
I understand your concerns

Well looks like your colon has got an heightened sensitivity which is causing all the trouble to you.
Even though it can mimic some of the symptoms of menopause , but worthwhile getting some basic investigations done like ultrasound of abdomen, stool examination and urine examination along with thyroid function tests.

You can try taking Ispaghula husk 2 tsp at night along with mild antispasmodic like Mebeverine twice a day after consulting your physician.

Also some medications to reduce sensitivity of your intestine like Amitryptiline can be taken after consulting with your physician.

In addition following things can be tried along with medications

Eat on time
Go for a regular walk
Drink plenty of water
Increase fibre intake in diet like fruits salads
Sleep adequately at least for 8 hours a day
Avoid stress
Engage yourself in some sport

All this will help in long run
Wish you a speedy recovery

Let me know if there are any further queries.

Happy to help
best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (13 hours later)

Thanks,
Amitryptiline is listed as an antidepressant, but I see it is effective for IBS. Can you get me a prescription?

-XXXX

I do eat on time
I do walk
I drink lots of water
I eat whole grain foods
I sleep at least 8 hours a night
Stress is unavoidable in my profession ;-)
This only started happening since I went through menopause.

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes Menopause is known to precipitate such symptoms

Detailed Answer:

Thank you for your query

Well yes menopause is know to precipitate such symptoms.

Sorry I cannot help you get an prescription, well if you come to XXXXXXX yes. you will have to contact local physician there

Best wishes

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee